After everything you've been through, what still drives you to continue on the ATP Tour?
Emotions have become a fundamental part of the reason I continue to play. When I was younger, things were different: I had more technical, performance-related goals. Today, I seek pleasure and passion above all else every time I step onto the court. Experience has taught me to experience tennis more deeply, to have a more intense perception of the game, something I perhaps didn't fully understand in the past. I still have an enormous love for this sport: I'm fascinated by the battle, the energy of the crowd, the ups and downs of every match. It's all of this that fuels me.
How has your relationship with spectators and fans evolved over time?
It's a bond that has strengthened greatly over time. Today I feel like people appreciate not only the victories, but also the journey to achieve them, with all its ups and downs. I love the connection I have with the fans: it's authentic, personal, and feeling their support on the pitch is something that truly energizes me.
What does it mean to you to inspire young tennis players, in Switzerland and around the world?
"Honestly, it means a lot to me. It's something I never thought about when I started my career. Seeing young players look up to me, or say they've been inspired by my story, is truly special."
How important is it to keep dreaming—even at 40—to stay competitive?
I still have the same desire to give it my all. Not the same results, but the same passion. Age doesn't matter: if you lose the ability to dream, to believe that something special can happen again, then there's nothing left to play for. This kind of mentality is what drives me to train hard and find new reasons to continue my exciting journey. I try to enjoy everything tennis has given me and continues to give me, in terms of emotions. That doesn't mean it's easy, but I love what I do, I love this life as a tennis player.
Is there a movie or a passion outside of tennis that truly relaxes you and that you can't give up?
I love cinema, especially French comedies. One in particular always makes me laugh, even though I've seen it dozens of times: Le Dîner de ConsWhen I need to unwind, that lightness does me good. It's my way of recharging my mind, away from the pressure of tournaments."
During your long tenure on the ATP Tour, you've experienced moments of glory and more difficult times. What has this journey taught you?
"It made me understand that success takes time and patience. It doesn't always come when you want it, but if you keep working with dedication and conviction, even in difficult times, the results will come. Patience helped me stay focused, especially during injuries. And when I reached major milestones, I experienced them with even more intensity, aware of the long and authentic journey that had brought me there, one based on perseverance rather than pure talent."
What are the most important peculiarities besides flair?
"Rigour and discipline are essential in a career. If you want to push yourself to the limit, you have to do what it takes to progress, evolve, and become the best player you can be. A meticulous training schedule allows you to build confidence in your game, your physique, and your abilities. It's important to be able to step onto the pitch knowing you can beat anyone."
Athletic trainer Pierre Paganini played a central role in your career, as he did in that of Roger Federer and Marc Rosset. An almost indispensable point of reference.
Pierre was incredibly fortunate. It's thanks to him that I reached certain physical and technical heights. He always had a forward-looking vision. We practiced throughout the year and played fewer tournaments. It was hard for me to see peers higher up in the rankings, but in my team, we worked with a focus on gradual growth. Pierre was convinced I'd reach the top at 27 or 29. He was right.
Ten years ago, you beat Roger Federer in the quarterfinals and Novak Djokovic in the final at Roland Garros. Is that the Major you hold closest to your heart?
Winning Grand Slams was part of my unattainable dreams. The Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open mean the same to me, they're incredibly meaningful, and I think it's hard to choose one above the others. Each holds a truly special place in my heart.
With Federer you won Olympic gold in Beijing 2008 and the Davis Cup in 2014: an extraordinary partnership for Switzerland.
Roger was the greatest of all time. I always tried to draw the positive from his presence. We trained hard, we experienced the Olympics and the Davis Cup together. It was a privilege. There's a lot of respect and history between us. We shared incredible moments, memories I'll never forget.
What is your view on tennis today?
The new generation has fully established itself, bringing freshness and an extraordinary level of play. Among them, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the two who really make the difference: they have talent, personality, and the ability to excite the crowd. With them, tennis continues to evolve and demonstrates that it has a bright future, worthy of its past.
Stan Wawrinka
Born in Lausanne on March 28, 1985, Stan Wawrinka grew up in the canton of Vaud to a Swiss mother and a German father of Polish origin. At 40, he remains the only player in the world ranked in the top 100 of the ATP rankings. In an era dominated by haste, he chose the slower and more arduous path, becoming a symbol of resilience and longevity.
With three Grand Slam titles (Australian Open 2014, Roland Garros 2015, and US Open 2016) has carved his name among the greats of world tennis, defeating legends like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the finals. A finalist in Paris in 2017, he has won 16 ATP singles titles, becoming world No. 3 in January 2014.
With Roger Federer, he shared the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medal and the 2014 Davis Cup, writing the most glorious chapters of Swiss tennis. But what truly defines his style is that powerful and varied one-handed backhand, which has become iconic for its effectiveness and beauty. A museum-worthy shot, developed at a very young age with his first coach, Dimitri Zavialov. "In my best years, that backhand troubled even the best in the world."
In 2009 he won the Lugano tournament, "one of the most prestigious challengers in the world, for a success I always remember with pleasure."
Beyond his talent, Stan has always displayed absolute dedication and built his ascent day after day. His longtime fitness coach, Pierre Paganini, describes him thus: "Wawrinka has a tremendous amount of energy. Thanks to his constant commitment, he has also discovered himself as an artist."
On his left arm, he wears a quote by Irish writer Samuel Beckett: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." It's the manifesto of a career forged in patience, passion, and glory.
